Im just coming out of a surgery that removed an ACL allograft that I received 6 years ago and that I tore 2 months ago.

I wont be able to go in for another ACL graft surgery for 6 months. Until then (or perhaps even beyond then if I decide to forgo the replacement.) would weightlifting knee sleeves help to stabilize the knee in its normal tracking direction during weightlifting? I have a custom knee brace that I would wear for other ballistic side loading activities like snowboarding or soccer.

Do you mean knee wrap? A sleeve wouldn't really do much as most are not tight enough to provide much extra stabilty. They're more just to keep the joint warm. If you mean knee wraps, I've heard the ATP convicts provide a very large amount of support. There was also a video recently about knee wraps on starting strength that you might find helpfull.

Hey Nick,
I squatted and deadlifted heavy for over a year with no ACL in my right knee. I didn't wear anything on my knees and I had no problems at all. Now, the Olympic lifts are a different story. You probably won't be able to do them much, if at all, with no ACL. I would bite the bullet and get the surgery. If you want to do things like soccer and snowboarding, which are some of the top ACL tearing activities, be very careful doing them with no ACL, even if you're wearing a brace. I just got mine done four weeks ago and the recovery has been much quicker and stronger than I thought it would be. Good luck either way.

Wanted to post a quick reply and a follow up, for what its worth. I settled on the Tommy Kono bands for my knees and I have been very pleased with them. They do everything they are advertised to do. The keep my knees very warm and flexible. My knee high socks now are normally soaked with sweat. They give me just enough support for my knee to feel strong without being overbearing.

I am now back to doing all of my lifts, from deadlifting to snatching and I feel great. Im not sure how normal that is, and Im sure that I am not going to be getting up the kinds of weights that I otherwise would be able to with a fully functioning knee, but I am please to be training again!